Chapter 33: The Last Gambit

John continued by describing every step of their adventure, from their first meeting to their struggle to save the City's Core. He spoke of Marie's intelligence and empathy, and their mutual desire to revive the city's soul. Marie trailed after with a resounding voice of passion. She spoke about the difficulties they had and the steadfast link that kept them together. With a voice filled with a calm power that connected with the audience, she revealed Olivia's manipulations. A modicum of applause ensued as they concluded their comments, eventually building into a deafening chorus of affirmation. Individuals from the community center came up to them and related how their kids had been inspired by Marie's programs. Some of the socialites even gave words of encouragement, their original cynicism transformed by a newfound admiration. Impressed by their narrative and the outpouring of real sympathy, the writer Marie had contacted wrote a stinging investigation on Olivia's false clai